WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl co-sponsored the Secondary School Reform Act which includes dual enrollment education programs based on Kohl’s “Fast Track to College” bill, legislation to reduce high school drop-out rates and allow low-income students to earn college credit. The Secondary School Reform Act, introduced by Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), is a comprehensive plan to strengthen struggling high schools with graduation rates below 75 percent.  Eligible high schools serve low-income students and do not currently receive School Improvement Grant funding.  In 2009-2010, according to Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction, approximately 85 percent of Milwaukee public high schools had graduation rates below 75 percent.  

“College classes are expensive. While financial aid is available, I think there are other ways to make college more affordable,” Kohl said. “Dual enrollment programs are a huge benefit to those who take advantage of them. They allow students to take college classes while in high school, giving them a head start on a college education. I think this is a vital program to help many students consider the possibility of college and it is my hope that we can expand these programs nationally.”

The Secondary School Reform Act would create a grant program that would support partnerships between high schools in high-need school districts and external organizations to implement reform strategies including:

-         -  Dropout recovery or reentry programs, including credit recovery opportunities

-          - Better communication with students and their families about graduation and college entrance requirements

-          - Service-learning and work-based learning opportunities

-          - High quality professional development for educators

-          - Graduation Promise Academies and Career Academies

-          - Early College Schools as outlined in Senator Kohl’s Fast Track to College Act

 Kohl introduced the Fast Track to College Act in January 2011, looking to provide new tools and incentives for schools to attack the dropout problem and send more kids to college. “Dual enrollment” programs for low-income students allow young people to earn college credit, including even an Associate’s degree, while also earning their high school diploma.  These programs have proven success, especially among low-income students and those underrepresented in higher education. 

            Dual enrollment programs can provide just enough cost savings to make college affordable, especially for low- and middle-income families who might think higher education is out of their reach.  Equally important, these programs introduce students to the college environment and allow them to earn credit through real college coursework.  This experience bolsters their confidence and skills, and shows them that they can successfully complete a college degree – in less time and for less money than they might have thought possible.